Overview
- The bill, championed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Limor Son Har‑Melech, cleared a Knesset committee this week and is slated for a final plenum vote soon.
- The draft requires death sentences for killings driven by nationalist motives, lets judges impose the penalty without a unanimous panel, orders hanging within 90 days, and strips the president’s power to grant clemency.
- The European Union called the proposal “deeply concerning” and reaffirmed its blanket opposition to capital punishment, while Israel’s Foreign Ministry accused the EU of meddling and applying double standards.
- Amnesty International condemned the measure as aimed at Palestinians and alleged widespread abuse of prisoners, which Israeli officials reject.
- Israeli media report training for possible executions and note about 10,000 Palestinians were in Israeli jails as of April 2025, though these reports are unverified and would only take effect if the Knesset passes the law.